Tag Archives: Fraud Protection

In our industry, we see data breaches involving major retailers almost every day. This is an enormous, far reaching industry that involves criminals stealing personal and card information which has far reaching consequences for retailers and banks as well as for customers who are frustrated and frightened by the threat to their information and money.

That is why VCNB spends a lot of money and resources to make sure that the bank and bank customers are protected. We have a top notch Fraud Department that monitors your activity, looking for things that are out of the ordinary so that we can stop fraud from occurring.

What happens if there is fraud?
If we confirm that your card has been used for fraudulent activity, we will turn it off immediately. The card will be closed so that it cannot be used for any purchase that you or someone else may attempt to authorize. We will then order a new card for you and will offer to issue a temporary card that you can pick up at your local branch. This temporary card is designed to get you through until your new permanent card arrives.

But what happens to the money that was stolen from you? You will need to contact the bank to file a dispute. It is through this dispute process that the bank will credit your money back to your account. If it is proven that the charge was fraudulent, you will not lose your money.

How can you protect yourself?
VCNB spends a lot of time and money to keep your accounts protected but we can only do so much. We rely on you, the customer, to monitor your own account activity. Here are three free ways you can do that:

Turn off your card when you’re not using it. Yes, you read that right. You have the ability to turn your card off when you’re not using it and back on the minute you need it again. This can be done using VCNB Mobile or the Card Valet app for your debit card. You can control your VCNB Visa® card with Card Valet. We have customers who will turn their card on while standing in line at the store or when they pull up to the gas pump. When they finish the transaction, they turn off their card again before putting it back in their wallet. It’s a quick, easy and secure way to control how the card can be used.

Monitor activity. This can be done in a few ways. Using Card Valet you can receive a text each time your card is used. You can also monitor activity in the VCNB Mobile app and on our website. Finally, you can sign up for free Account Alerts so you can receive a text or email every time your card is used. These are all free services to help you look after your money and accounts. If you see something suspicious or something you don’t recognize, contact the bank immediately.

Place limitations on your card. Using VCNB Mobile or Card Valet, you can set limitations for each of your cards. You can set a monetary spending limitation as well as limitations on where a card can be used. You can determine a geographic area where the card can be used and say that it can only be used at certain kinds of retailers like grocery, gas stations or department stores. You can also place a monetary limit on each card so that it can be used for no more than $100 or whatever limit you choose. You can apply different limits to each of your cards and change them as you see fit.

We ask for your cooperation as we attempt to keep your money safe. If you see something that looks suspicious, we ask you to contact the bank immediately so that we can prevent a loss from occurring. This era in banking and currency has many conveniences but there are risks associated with using your cards, even with the retailers you trust the most. We thank you for your help keeping your money safe.

Our customers are mobile. They travel around the neighborhood, the nation and the globe. As they go about their day, working, running errands and having fun, we find that our customers are relying on their debit and credit cards as a primary form of payment and we love that! We are glad when our customers are so comfortable with VCNB that they want to use our cards.

Yet we want to remind customers that technology is not flawless and that on occasion, paying with your card isn’t possible. In fact, there are a few things we hope you will remember.

Fraud is rampant in our society today. That’s why we have 24-hour fraud protection for our customers. When our Fraud Department sees suspicious activity, they will take steps to protect you. That means the suspicious charge could be declined. It means our Fraud Department will attempt to call you to confirm the purchase and that means they will turn off your card if they cannot reach you. We understand this can be an inconvenience but most customers would prefer to be inconvenienced for a few minutes rather than have a stranger stealing their money.

Sometimes whatever caused the red flag is indeed fraudulent activity. Sometimes it’s really the customer, just spending outside their regular pattern or with a retailer that is known for higher than normal rates of fraud.

For example, if you buy gasoline in Lancaster, Ohio and ten minutes later a charge in California shows up on your card, there will be suspicion of fraud.

When there is a suspicious charge we will call whatever number you have on file with the bank. If you’re out shopping and the only number we have is your landline, you have no way of knowing there’s an issue until your card is declined. When you get home you’ll find a message that provides a case number and requests a return call for something we could have cleared up while you were at the register.

That’s why we ask our customers to provide their mobile phone number. This is an easy way you can do your part in keeping your accounts safe while minimizing the inconvenience.

We also cannot stress enough the importance of carrying a second form of payment. We’ve known customers to travel hundreds of miles from home with nothing in their wallet but a single piece of plastic. If catastrophe strikes and your card is lost, stolen or shut off because it was victim to fraud, you may find yourself in dire circumstances. Always carry a second form of payment – a little cash or another card will be a lifesaver if you have issues with your favorite card.

Now through the end of 2016 we are offering VCNB prepaid gift cards with no purchase fees. Accepted anywhere that Mastercard® can be used, these gift cards are a terrific second form of payment.

Also remember that if your card is declined, repeatedly swiping your debit card will not make it work and may even cause your card to be turned off. Instead, contact your local branch or Customer Service during business hours or our Fraud Department at 1.800.262.2024.

We know our customers love the convenience of swiping their card. We love it too! Just remember to protect yourself by carrying that emergency second form of payment and by giving us your mobile phone number.

Protect Your Information
Sometimes you have to provide personal information for legitimate business reasons. For example, you are required to provide personal information when you open a bank account, apply for a credit card or enroll in college. However, you should avoid giving out this personal information unless absolutely necessary. Examples of personal information that should be kept personal include:

Address and Zip Code
Phone Number
Date of Birth
Social Security Number
Card or Account Number
Card Expiration Date

There is some information that you should NEVER share with anyone else. Passwords and Personal Identification Numbers (PIN) should absolutely never be shared and should always be kept private.

Using Your Card
Be attentive and vigilant when using your card at an ATM, in a store or a restaurant. Always cover your card and PIN and watch for anything out of place including:

Cameras, cell phones, mirrors or other instruments that might be used to view your card or PIN.

Individuals who are watching you.

Cashiers who take your card out of sight. Take it to the register yourself when possible.

Devices or items used to cover the card slots of an ATM, gas pump or other card machines. These devices can be used by criminals to capture your card information.

Any other unusual or suspicious activity.

Online Safety
Never respond to unsolicited emails that request personal information or that ask you to verify your card or account number. Legitimate businesses do not send these types of emails. Also beware of links to websites. A website may look legitimate but may collect data or even install spyware on your computer.Plan Ahead
Are you traveling? If traveling abroad, contact VCNB before you leave. We can provide assistance and advice to help keep you safe on your journey. If traveling domestically, you do not need to contact us but it is wise to make some purchases along the way. Headed to the beach? Use your card to book the hotel and purchase gas along the way.

Also, make sure we can always reach you if we suspect fraud. Be sure to keep your current home, cell and work phone numbers on file with us. If we suspect fraudulent activity on your account, we need to reach you as soon as possible.

As we told you yesterday, we never solicit personal information via phone, email or text message. If someone contacts you requesting account information, your social security number, PIN, passwords or other personal information, do not provide this information. The bottom line is you should trust your instincts. If it feels suspicious it probably is. If you missed yesterday’s post, be sure to check it out.